5 reasons to celebrate Winter Solstice

You may be wondering what Winter Solstice actually is? It’s the moment when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun, therefore we are exposed to the least amount of sunlight and the biggest amount of darkness. This planetary situation has a direct impact on our bodies, minds and general wellbeing, regardless whether we’re aware of it or not.    

1. Connect with the universal flow

Consciously approaching Winter Solstice is little bit like driving a car and being aware of the road signs so we know that soon we have to slow down because we’re coming to a junction. We would be probably ok without the warning but may need to be more careful or break really fast. It’s much easier to navigate our inner landscape with the natural rhythms of nature. When we are approaching Winter Solstice consciously we know that there’s very little light available to us, it’s the time of going inward, slowing down and cultivating our inner light. Naturally, we may be feeling a bit down or sluggish and want to hide under warm blanket with a cup of tea. Having this awareness we can let ourselves do that with much more compassion and self-love. It’s called self-care not laziness. The more I listen to my body and connect with the natural rhythms of nature, the more peaceful, healthy and harmonious my life seems to be. It’s about going with the flow of the Universe not against it.     

2. Hope

Let’s face it, it’s dark, cold and going outside doesn’t appeal but deep inside we know that Spring is on its way and it will be beautiful again soon. Hope keeps us going. Similarly whatever darkness we may be facing in our lives we must accept it for what it is, feel it fully and in the same time pray and hope that things will change and the light will shine again soon. Let’s be grateful for the darkness as it helps us to appreciate the light even more. In the midst of dark, cold Winter we sometimes feel that it will never end but finding hope in our hearts will see us through. This too shall pass…     

3. Slow down

During Winter Solstice energies are low, even animals hibernate, so it’s not time to go out most nights and run around shopping malls. It’s the time to slow down, listen, go within and enjoy the silence. There will be time for making our goals and dreams come true but now it’s time of slowing down and going inwards to generate energy for the new season. Take time off this festive season and enjoy doing nothing, snuggling up, watching movies and resting.    

4. Re-new yourself

The main reason for slowing down is gathering strength and energy for the new phase of the year. We can’t expect different results next year if we start with the same energy we always had. When we stop, nurture our inner space and raise our vibration in this potent time of the Solstice we renew ourselves to start new. It’s the re-birthing of the Sun and we can re-birth ourselves too, it’s our choice and creativity. Nobody can do it for us. Will you take this opportunity?

5. Enjoy your inner light

Realistically there’s a certain amount of light available to us this time of the year. So trying to chase more light is pointless. This is when we turn inward and cherish the light we have inside. And the more we nurture our sacred space and more it nurtures us. It’s not available only to some special people, it’s available for everybody. All we have to do is to connect with our inner light and cultivate this relationship.

So there you have it, a small guide into Winter Solstice. If you would like to celebrate Winter Solstice with like-minded people and really feel its power come and join us on the 21st of December online or on the 22nd of December in Manchester.

I’m wishing you lots of awareness, self-compassion and gentleness during this festive time.  

7 easy tips for happy and healthy Summer

Most of us absolutely adore summer time as it’s a time of holidays, festivals and fun in general. It’s been amazing here in Manchester for the last few weeks and everybody is happier, smiling and relaxed.

I believe all seasons are unique and perfect in their own way and embracing each season can be a very insightful and inspiring experience.

Summer is the time when we let our hair down and let ourselves be more spontaneous and care free. However, it can be a fantastic time to engage in more uplifting and inspiring behaviours and create good habits that can serve us for the rest of the year. Sun and Light are supporting us to connect with the best versions of ourselves and transform any negative or unwanted behaviour.  

Here are some tips you can enjoy during the summer time that may encourage you to live a healthier and happier lifestyle after the hot period. 

1. REST

Who fancies working when it’s that hot? Nobody! Listen to your body and whenever you can take an opportunity to slow down and relax. Take a nap in the shade, walk slowly in the sunshine and find stillness in your body. Don’t try to catch up with the housework at the weekend and enjoy this glorious sunshine. Let the Sun recharge you with its fabulous energy! Trust me, you don’t need to do anything, just relax and everything you want and need will come to you.

2. GO TO NATURE

Summer is a great time to connect with nature and see its beauty. Nature can be a very healing force if we let it.

Money problems? See the abundance in nature, feel it and connect with it within yourself to feel again that you’re part of the abundant Universe.

Relationship problems? Sit with your favourite tree, unload and let its wisdom pour into your being. It’s a fantastic communication therapy.

Nature can heal you on so many levels, get out every day and connect with it for a month to see what happens.

3. NOURISH YOUR BODY

I love summer time because my body is craving fresh fruit and vegetables more than ever before. Eating healthy foods is so easy, delicious and fun at this time of the year. Even if you’re not a salad fan usually, this is the best time to try and buy fresh fruit and vegetables that appeal to you. There are loads to choose from so everybody can find something they like. Have a nutritious meal and see how wonderful you feel after. You may just love it and find yourself eating even healthier later on in the year.

Oh and don’t forget to drink plenty of water too. With lemon, mint or fresh fruit. Do it for your body!

4. MOVE

Another nourishing thing for your body is movement. Whatever tickles your fancy! Running, yoga, tennis, dancing, swimming – so much better done outside in such amazing weather. As a result your body and mind will feel great. Get into good habits now and by Autumn you will be hooked. Addicted to feeling awesome.

5. MEDITATE

I’ve recently started doing a lot of meditation al fresco and it’s very eye opening. I strongly recommend you try it too. Even lying down on the beach (or in the park) and consciously focusing on your breathing can count as meditation. Makes sunbathing much more fun too.

6. HAVE FUN

Cherish every moment in the best way you can. What do you like doing? What did you always want to do? Go wild, get creative and love life. Do something new and get out of your comfort zone. Enjoy this time of the year because it will finish soon and you will be craving Summer and sunshine again. If you really embrace what is and fully participate, you will be happy to welcome the next season with gratitude and open heart, no regrets.  Live in the moment!

7. COMMUNITY

If you choose to have fun, you know it’s best to do it with great friends too, with people who encourage the best of you and appreciate you being you. So either spend more time with your friends and family or make new friends. It will open your heart to a level you never knew existed.

If you would like to spend a Soul nourishing time with like minded people, check out our Kundalini Yoga Retreat in Snowdonia this November

Transformation in Kundalini Yoga

"The purpose of Kundalini Yoga is transformation." Yogi Bhajan

Transformation is something we all are looking for when we are thinking of taking up yoga, whether we are aware of it or not. I, personally, had a very unhealthy lifestyle, was ill a lot, never had any energy and spent most of my free time in a pub or getting intoxicated in one way or another. I was in my early twenties but I felt like 50 years old and I hit the rock bottom. I knew I couldn’t continue living like that and this state got me to my first yoga class. Fast forward 13 years and I feel more alive, stronger and healthier than ever. The transformation I was looking for came in many forms over the 13 years period but without a doubt, Kundalini Yoga was the most powerful, profound and sustainable tool on my path. All kinds of yoga are transformational, the difference is that Kundalini Yoga is laser-focused. 10 years of practicing Hatha Yoga will create similar benefits as 1 year of regular Kundalini Yoga practice. As Russell Brands puts it “Kundalini Yoga is the crack cocaine of yoga. If hatha is a mild weed high, iyengar is a deep hash glow, and ashtanga is amphetamine, Kundalini blows the *ucking doors off.” 

How does it happen?

Kundalini Yoga shifts energy. Everything in the Universe is made out of energy, including us. So if we want to change any aspect of our life we need to shift energy within us. How does Kundalini Yoga do it? It combines physical movement, breath, sound and rhythm. Each of those components will shift energy but combined together in a focused way will work much faster, the effects will be more profound and sustainable which is exactly what Kundalini Yoga does. The main part of every Kundalini Yoga class is a kriya – yoga set with a specific goal in mind. Kriya means a transformation in action. The best part of it is, you don’t need to understand it, know anything or follow any cultural/ religious beliefs. It just works. All you have to do it follow the teacher’s instructions, perform it to your ability and the transformation will happen. It’s magic!

Although it is very profound and efficient, is very subtle and safe at the same time. It can work instantly and many people feel the difference after their first class but often it requires more regular practice. There is no fireworks or light striking as Russell Brand may be suggesting it but people notice a slight difference in their personality and behavior over time. I often hear “I used to be very anxious about meeting new people but I’m not anymore” or “I would never apply for that new job if it wasn’t for Kundalini Yoga” or “Since doing Kundalini Yoga I sleep much better and I deal with stressful situations in a more positive and peaceful manner” and “Others say I look so radiant”.  

Why do we need transformation?

Growth is a natural state of every human being. From the time we come to this world our physical body grows and changes, whether we want it or not. We can’t change this process. It’s similar with our mind and soul. They thrive on growth and expansion. One of my teachers often repeats: “If we don’t expand, we shrink.”  Kundalini Yoga allows us to transform and expand in a beautiful, supporting and sacred environment. It will show us only as much as we can take and it’s up to us whether we want to jump in. Will you jump into the world of magic, opportunities and peace? Or you prefer to be stuck in that job, relationship or any other aspect of your life that doesn’t feel right or fulfilling? We always have a choice. You can start creating and transforming your life today, all you have to do is to apply these transformative tools. 

I would love to be your guide on that journey. I’ve been teaching for over 7 years and almost every day I see the transformation in people who practice with me and in myself. I’m forever grateful for all the tools in Kundalini Yoga and my mission is to spread them as much as possible and let others experience its magic too.

Lastly, if you’ve experienced transformation in Kundalini Yoga tell us about it in the comments below. Your story will inspire others!

5 easy tips to boost your Kundalini yoga practice

Kundalini Yoga was designed for busy people, who work, have families and other commitments. It was designed to improve one’s performance at those tasks and not take one away from it. Hence, there are many simple, powerful and quick tools we can apply to change the energy in our bodies and our state of mind. Kundalini Yoga is a vast technology which can be applied in many various ways in everyday life. Today I wanted to introduce a few of those ways that are almost effortless but in a long run, they will make a big difference.

1. Trust its power

People come to Kundalini Yoga for many reasons and they approach it in various ways. It produces an enormous amount of energy but one can receive only as much as one is prepared to take. You can come to a class to feel more relaxed, uplifted and positive after or you can allow it to heal your body and mind, transform limiting believes and deeply empower you. It's a little bit like having an iPhone and just making phone calls, and not using its full potential. So if you feel the call, have an intention in every class and let Kundalini Yoga work for you on a deeper level. 

2. 10 minutes a day

Commit to 10 minutes of yoga or meditation a day. Small steps are fantastic because you can do it easily and feel accomplished which motivates further progress. The incredible thing about Kundalini yoga is that 5 or 10 minutes of regular, daily practice can really shift your energy or bring the body into correct alignment. Make this 10 minutes your priority, time for yourself and your Self will do lots for you in return. Ordinary tasks done regularly produce extraordinary results! Not sure what to do? Drop me a line and I will be happy to help you.

3. Play mantras at home

There are many benefits of playing mantras wherever you are. First of all, you will easily learn various mantras that probably will be used in a class. Secondly, it raises the vibration of the environment where it’s played. Once a student came to Yogi Bhajan for advice on his struggling business. Yogi Bhajan told him to play Aap Sahai Hooaa mantra on repeat 24-7. Power of this chant helped to remove obstacles and indeed the energy of the venture lifted, it became prosperous again.

4. Read a book

I don't know about you but I'm obsessed with books. Reading for me is like immersing myself in a different world, learning from it and getting inspired. There are many books on Kundalini yoga that will do just that for you. They will widen your perspective, open your mind and heart. And they are easily accessible now. 9 years ago when I was starting my Kundalini adventure it was really difficult to buy any books on Kundalini Yoga in the UK. So glad things are changing and Kundalini yoga is growing as fast as it is. Wahe guru! Oh I’ve created my books recommendation for you too.

5. Immersion

I like a holistic approach to life, or to my practice. One thing is learning something and another is subtle immersion with like-minded people, sharing yogic tips and realization that we are not isolated on this path and there are other people as crazy as us. That's why I encourage you to book yourself onto a workshop or retreat and dive into this technology, its lifestyle and let it become part of your life. This is when the magic happens. 

If you know me, you know how much joy I get when I hear you practicing more and applying the technology of Kundalini Yoga in your life. So please share in the comments which of those tips seem appealing and whether you’re going to take action.

P.S. To leave a comment click on the title of this post and scroll to the bottom.            

Kundalini Yoga books to inspire and educate

People often ask for a recommendation of Kundalini Yoga books when they want to learn more, get more inspired or want to start a home practice. There are many books available at the moment and I will introduce you to different kind of books that may appeal to different personality types. Have a good scroll and I hope it will inspire you to dive deeper into your Kundalini Yoga practice.   

‘Yoga for Real Life’ by Maya Fiennes is an easy, lovely and inspiring read. It will motivate you and allow to do bits and bobs of yoga at home. Maya is a great and highly respected Kundalini Yoga teacher worldwide. In this book, Maya shows how Kundalini Yoga benefited her life and what it can do for you! Beginners will enjoy if It’s more on the feminine side, but guys fear not I have something masculine for you too.

‘The Invincible Living’ by Guru Jagat another celebrity yoga teacher from the US. Guru Jagat is a powerful and unique Kundalini Yoga teacher. She has a scientific approach and this is the impression of this book. Her teaching style is all about transformation, empowerment, human potential and radiance. If this tickles your fancy that’s the book for you. You will find simple meditations and yoga set, as well as practical tips.

'The 8 human talents' by Gurmukh. It's a beautiful book about charkas, Kundalini Yoga and meditation. If you want to learn more about chakras and how their energy affects your everyday life this book is for you. There are many stories of Gurmukh herself and her students. You will probably relate to some of them or will be able to understand your own journey with yoga. I definitely recommend this book to everybody, no matter whether you're more right- or left-brained. 

‘The Kundalini Yoga Experience’ by Darryl O'Keeffe & Guru Dharma Singh Khalsa is probably little bit more factual and masculine. It explains many postures, breathing exercises and meditations, very practical and precise. There are full sets (kriyas) which you can do at home. Perfect if you want to establish your own Kundalini Yoga practice.  

The last two books are for hardcore Kundalini Yogis.

‘Kundalini Yoga: The Flow of Eternal Power - a Simple Guide to the Yoga of Awareness as Taught by Yogi Bhajan’  by Shakti Pawha Kaur Khalsa it’s a fantastic book if you really want to learn more and go deeper into your practice. Many interesting facets of Kundalini Yoga and lifestyle explained in an accessible way. Plus yoga sets, meditations, yogic recipes and more. Full of wisdom.  

Last but not least, ‘Laws of Life’ lecture by the master of Kundalini Yoga himself. A little book but full of wisdom and can leave you contemplating for a while. Wanna taste of the original teachings of Yogi Bhajan? This is a good place to start...

There are obviously many more books on Kundalini Yoga but this will keep you going. If you’re looking for something more specific, get in touch I will be happy to help. Oh and let me know if you read any of those books and what are your thoughts.  

Join weekly live classes, or learn more about Kundalini Yoga here.